Podcast Episodes
Rising from the Fall: Jacob Betts' Journey of Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury
Jacob Betts, The American Hotel System, shares his profound journey following a traumatic brain injury during college, detailing how it transformed his life and led him to songwriting. He discusses the challenges of communication and the unexpected benefits of “speed” reading and writing that emerged from his recovery. The conversation also delves into the intersection of art and faith, exploring the quality of Christian art and the importance of storytelling. Finally, Jacob reflects on the current state of the music industry and the necessity for artists to adapt and connect with their audiences.
Journey of The Stratton Setlist: A Music Blog
In this conversation, Lori Stratton discusses her journey in the music scene, the inception of her blog 'The Stratton Setlist', and her passion for promoting local artists in Michigan.
She shares insights on discovering new music, the importance of physical media, and her involvement with various music organizations, Michigan Music Alliance and GIG.
The discussion also touches on the evolution of the music scene over the past decade and the significance of community support for artists.
Super Fans: Ralph & Deb
We had the opportunity to interview passionate music fans Ralph and Deb, who share their experiences and insights about the local music scene in West Michigan.
They discuss their favorite bands, the importance of supporting local artists, and the vibrant community that surrounds live music.
The conversation flows through various topics, including personal stories, musical influences, and the evolution of music venues, creating a rich tapestry of the music culture in the area.
Zach Dubay
Drummer Zach Dubay shares his journey through the music scene, discussing the formation of his band, Candid Antics. He reflects on winning the Walk the Beat competition, his unique experiences subbing for various bands, and the challenges of filling in for gigs.
Zach also delves into his musical influences, the importance of practice, and his upcoming move to Nashville, where he hopes to expand his opportunities in the vibrant music scene.
The discussion highlights the differences between the music culture in Nashville and Grand Rapids, emphasizing the importance of connections and community in the industry.
Jeeto / Michael Byrd
While we were at Michigan Music Alliance's Music Econ Summit earlier this year, we had the opportunity to interview singer songwriter, Jeeto, and author and music industry professional, Michael Byrd..
Jeeto discusses his journey in music, the creative process, and the importance of authenticity. He shares insights on overcoming the fear of failure and the significance of getting feedback quickly. Jeeto emphasizes the raw and authentic sound he aims to achieve in his music, which is influenced by his personal experiences and trauma.
Michael Byrd, 37th Music Market, provides valuable insights into the business side of music, highlighting the importance of understanding the industry to succeed. We discuss Byrd's upcoming book, 'Fix It in the Mix,' which serves as a guide for musicians navigating the music business.
Widetrack
Ryan and Jeff chat with Ron and Zach from the band Widetrack, exploring their unique father-son dynamic in music, the evolution of their sound, and the creative process behind their albums, including their latest Galatea.
The conversation also delves into the theme of perfectionism in art, emphasizing the balance between striving for quality and knowing when to let go.
The band Widetrack discusses their creative process, the significance of their song titles, and the impact of Zach’s experiences at Berklee College of Music.
They explore the challenges of releasing music, the importance of community in musical growth, and their future performance plans. The discussion also touches on the use of AI in art and music, emphasizing the balance between innovation and authenticity.
The Livery
In this conversation, Simon Rusk, the owner and head brewer of The Livery Brewery, shares insights into the history of the venue, its unique space, and the challenges of running a live music space.
He discusses the brewery's commitment to crafting a variety of beverages, including beer, seltzer, and mocktails, while also emphasizing the importance of supporting original music.
Simon highlights the community engagement aspect of the brewery and its food offerings, as well as upcoming events that promise to bring more live music to Benton Harbor.
The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge
In this episode, Michael Balcom, co-founder of The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge in Wyandotte, shares insights about the vibrant local music scene, the historical significance of the venue, and the community-driven mission of Be Well My Friends.
The discussion highlights the growth of Wyandotte as a nightlife destination, the grassroots efforts to support local musicians, and the various fundraising initiatives aimed at helping those in need within the community.
Michael emphasizes the importance of collaboration, volunteerism, and the joy of live music as a means to foster community spirit and support local causes.
Levitator
We finally caught up with the psych rock band, Levitator, that hails from Petosky and Traverse City. In this episode, they discuss their journey from a country cover band to a psych rock ensemble. We touch on their creative process and the dynamics of being a six-piece band.
Levitator talks about how Northern Michigan music scene is different than playing downstate with the pros and cons. We reminisce on first time they played at The Pyramid Scheme with Ficus, Carbon Decoy and Overdrive Orchestra.
They share insights on their latest EP, the importance of live performances, and their plans for future music, emphasizing the friendships and connections formed along the way.
Connor Meston / Rap Roots Media
While we were at Michigan Music Alliance’s Music Econ Summit earlier this year, we had the opportunity to interview violist, Connor Meston, and founder of Rap Roots Media, Brayden Flodin.
Connor shares his unique journey as a violist, discussing his collaborations with various bands and the challenges of navigating the music industry.
Brayden, on the other hand, delves into his experiences as a music marketer and podcaster, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in music.
James Hughes - Triumph Music Academy
James Hughes, director and founder of Triumph Music Academy, shares his journey from aspiring musician to music educator and entrepreneur.
He discusses the challenges he faced in the music industry, the founding of his music academy, and the importance of providing opportunities for students.
James emphasizes the importance of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in the arts, and how social media can be leveraged as a tool for growth and connection.
This interview occurred at Michigan Music Alliance's Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids.
AV House
We had the opportunity to interview Andrew from AV House at the Michigan Econ Summit put on by the Michigan Music Alliance earlier this year. He talked about how his company is at the intersection of creativity and technology in the music industry.
He shares insights on how AV House supports artists and venues by bridging the gap between artistic expression and technical execution.
The discussion highlights the importance of building long-term relationships within the music community and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of music technology.
Summer Music w/ John Sinkevics
We welcome back John Sinkevics, editor and publisher of Local Spins, to talk about the plethora of outdoor live music concerts and festivals in Michigan.
John walks us through a variety of festivals from the new ones such as Rock Lansing to long time staples such as Electric Forest, Wheatland, Buttermilk, and Blissfest.
He also shared insights into the challenges of organizing festivals, the importance of outdoor concerts, and the evolving landscape of music.
Check out the full festival guide on Local Spins.
Annagail
In this engaging conversation, Jared and Jennifer from
Annagail share their journey as a band that has evolved over 26 years. They discuss their recent creative explosion, resulting in 12 albums in just four months, fueled by Jennifer's near-death experience that transformed their artistic approach.
The duo discusses their journey through personal and professional challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the healing power of music, all while maintaining a cosmic perspective on life and creativity.
They reflect on the release of their first live album recorded at the former Seven Steps Up venue (now the Temple Lounge), which captures the essence of their musical journey.
The discussion also touches on their future plans, including touring and new ventures, highlighting their commitment to creativity and connection with their audience.
Daisybox
DaisyBox shares his journey as an indie artist, discussing his unique sound, songwriting process, and the evolution of the music.
We discuss his most recent release, Ghost, and the art for this single by Chapel of Ghouls. Plus, we discuss his upcoming single, Sick, planned to release this summer.
He talks about his long-time relationship with producer, Jake Rye, from Social Recording Company and the recent fire that they experienced at their studio.
The discussion highlights the balance between creating music for passion and navigating the music industry, emphasizing the significance of connecting with audiences.
Rip Smidgeon
The band RIP Smidgeon discusses their journey, authenticity, and the meaning behind their name. They share insights about their new album, the transition from a drum machine to live drums, and their plans for upcoming shows.
The band emphasizes the importance of connecting with their audience and creating relatable content, showcasing their unique vibe and camaraderie.
Check out this young, energetic, and creative band.
Taylor DeRousse
In this conversation, Taylor DeRousse discusses her journey as a musician, including the release of her debut album (Running Back To Me), her creative process, and the transition from classical music to indie rock.
She shares insights on songwriting, collaboration, and the importance of live performances, as well as the themes present in her music.
Taylor emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and personal growth reflected in her work, and she expresses excitement for her upcoming album release show.
Brian Maloney
Brian Maloney, Founder of The Sonic Coast, discusses the thriving music scene in Michigan, highlighting the abundance of talented bands. He talks about how The Sonic Coast has continued to evolve including the new Acoustic Coffee Break segment.
We celebrate local events, including the upcoming Music Econ Summit and The Jammies, and emphasize the importance of supporting local artists. We talked about our insights on emerging artists, bucket list bands, and the significance of buying tickets and merchandise to support the music community.
It was great to catch up with Brian again after our first interview just over a year ago.
The Vig Arcadia
We talked with two members of The Vig Arcadia, Yasmine (vocals) and Chris (drummer) in this episode. They shared insights into their creative processes, the evolution of their band, and the making of their first full-length album, MORPH.
They discuss their musical influences, past projects, and the dynamics of collaboration within the band.
The conversation also touches on their upcoming shows and future plans, highlighting their commitment to exploring different musical styles and connecting with local artists.
Common Molly
We got to sit down with Common Molly, for our latest episode. What a trip our conversation was! This Caledonia band has an aggressive alt rock sound reminiscent of the 90’s (at least Ryan thought so). We learned how much they love touring and playing live, their determination is unmatched! And their auto repair skills.